John Teerlinck — American NFL player and defensive line coach

Playing career

Teerlinck played in the National Football League as a defensive lineman in the mid-1970s. He spent his professional playing years with the San Diego Chargers from 1974 to 1977, where he transitioned from college football into the pro game. Though his on-field career was relatively short, it laid the foundation for his later work as a teacher of technique and fundamentals.

Coaching career

Following his playing days, Teerlinck moved into coaching and served as an assistant on many NFL teams over several decades. He was best known for his long stint as defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2012, a period that included the franchise’s Super Bowl XLI victory. In that role he coached and helped refine the careers of several prominent pass rushers.

• Los Angeles Rams
• Cleveland Browns
• Minnesota Vikings
• Detroit Lions
• Denver Broncos

Coaching style and legacy

Teerlinck earned a reputation as a "pass-rush guru." He emphasized hand placement, leverage, footwork and quick, repeatable moves that players could use reliably in games. Many coaches and players credited him with improving individual technique and turning talented athletes into consistent producers. His methods influenced other position coaches and contributed to how modern defensive ends and outside linebackers are taught to attack quarterbacks.

Death and remembrance

John Teerlinck died on May 10, 2020, at the age of 69. Tributes from former players, colleagues and teams noted his intensity, attention to detail and the direct impact he had on players’ careers. He is remembered as a coach whose specific, hands-on teaching left a lasting mark on defensive line play in the NFL.